Georgia Cities Vie For Google

Orlando Montoya

Updated: 4 years ago.

Google is asking cities to compete for an ultra high-speed broadband network that could change the telecom business and at least one lucky city's fortunes. http://www.fli ckr.com/photos/danardvincente/ / CC BY 2.0

Peachtree City, Decatur and Savannah are among cities believed to be competing for an ultra high-speed broadband network from Google.

The company wants to connect one or more cities to a broadband network that would run 100 times faster than most home connections.

It would be a trial in Google's advance into telecom.

The company is asking cities to make their cases in a high-profile contest.

George Evans, Vice President of Information Services at Candler/Saint-Joseph's Health System, is helping Savannah make its case.

"I think they want somewhere where it would be appreciated, where people would come in and say, 'Wow, Google coming into town made a difference," Evans says. "Savannah has a pretty good story to tell... And we've got a definite need here."

Google is looking for a city of between 50,000 and 500,000 people.

The company's intent to start in a medium-sized market appears aimed at focusing attention on broadband's potential to create jobs and boost America's competitiveness.